Watchmen and Responsibility
Ezekiel 33:1-7
“Again the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul. But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.”
Introduction: Watchmen were a common practice in the Scriptures
Point One: Ezekiel was given a particular charge – watchman for Israel – 50 years earlier, Jeremiah was given a similar charge. Daniel also.
Point Two: Charge not always unique to one individual – could be others also
Point Three: We are watchmen today
To teach – Matt 28:19-20, Acts 8:1-4, II Tim 2:1-2, II Tim 4:1-5
To Rebuke – II Tim 3:12-17, II Tim 5: 17-20, Gal. 2:11-14
To Restore – Gal 6:1-2
Conclusion: All members of the church serve as watchmen
Intro: Two purposes for this video
To clarify the argument
To rebuke A false teacher
Proposition under consideration:
The scriptures teach that all Christians have a responsibility to be watchmen
1. Watchmen who do not watch will be Punished
Ezek 33:1
A. Principle- must fulfill our responsibilities
B. Do nothing society – don’t get involved
C. Church Not so
– Parable of the Talents (Matt 25:14-30)
-Jesus sums it up (Matt 12:30)
No Fence Sitters !!
2. What is a watchman?
In Israel-
A. Ezek. 3:17, Also Jer 6:16-17
B. Priests Lev 10:8-11 Urim & Thummin
Deut 33:10
Mal 2:7
C. People Hosea 2:1-4
In the Church-
A. Apostles Matt 16:17-20
Matt 28:18-20
B. Elders Heb13:17
Acts 20:28-32
C. People who watch the elders.
(I Tim 5:17-20)
D. Other Times –
Gal 6:1-2
Tim 4:2
Matt 18:15-17
3. Purpose – some oppose themselves